9 Questions
Who advocated 'hedonism' as a way of life and wrote the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Oscar Wilde
What principle spread in the literature produced from 1880 to 1914, advocating 'art for art’s sake'?
The principle of 'art for art’s sake'
What characterized the literature produced from 1880 to 1914 in terms of spiritual beliefs?
It was characterized either by an attempt to find substitutes for a dead religion or by a sense of spiritual emptiness.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, what does Dorian wish for, and what happens as a result?
Dorian wishes to remain eternally young and handsome while his picture grows old in his stead. As a result, he himself dies with age and ugliness, and his portrait reverts to its former perfection of youthful beauty.
What intrusion occurs in Wilde’s bright godless world unexpectedly in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The sense of guilt
Discuss the significance of 'Imperialism' as a substitute for religion in the context of English literature during the time of Rudyard Kipling.
'Imperialism' served as a substitute for religion with undertones of Freemasonry during the time of Rudyard Kipling. It represented a shift in focus towards the Empire and the responsibilities associated with it, as well as a new form of civilization.
Explain Rudyard Kipling's role in expressing the concern with Empire in English literature during his time.
Rudyard Kipling was a significant figure in expressing the concern with Empire in English literature. He sympathized with the soldiers who fought the frontier wars, emphasized the white man's responsibility to his brothers in the Empire, and highlighted the value of the Empire as the creator of a new, rich civilization.
Evaluate the statement 'Kipling is not a great poet, but he sums up a certain phase in English history.'
The statement recognizes Kipling's significance in capturing a specific phase in English history despite not being considered a great poet. It acknowledges his ability to articulate the obvious with sharpness, making his work memorable.
In what ways did Kipling express the value of the Empire as the creator of a new, rich civilization in his literature?
Kipling expressed the value of the Empire as the creator of a new, rich civilization by emphasizing the responsibilities of the white man, sympathizing with soldiers, and acknowledging the significance of the Empire in fostering a new form of civilization.
Study Notes
Oscar Wilde and Aestheticism
- Oscar Wilde advocated 'hedonism' as a way of life and wrote the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.
- The principle of 'art for art’s sake' characterized the literature produced from 1880 to 1914.
- Aestheticism, as seen in Wilde's work, emphasized the beauty of art and rejected the idea that art must serve a moral purpose.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Dorian Gray wishes to remain youthful and beautiful forever, and his portrait ages instead of him.
- As a result, Dorian's portrait becomes a symbol of the corruption of his soul, while he remains outwardly unchanged.
Imperialism and Rudyard Kipling
- Imperialism became a substitute for religion in English literature during the time of Rudyard Kipling.
- Rudyard Kipling expressed the concern with Empire in English literature during his time, often portraying the British Empire as a civilizing force.
- Kipling's works, such as The Jungle Book, glorified the British Empire and its achievements.
- His poetry and stories reflected the values of the Empire, emphasizing its role in creating a new, rich civilization.
Evaluation of Kipling's Significance
- The statement 'Kipling is not a great poet, but he sums up a certain phase in English history' suggests that Kipling's works are more important for their historical significance than their literary merit.
- Kipling's role in expressing the values of the Empire made him a prominent figure in English literature during his time.
Test your knowledge about the literature produced from 1880 to 1914, characterized by attempts to find substitutes for religion and a sense of spiritual emptiness. Explore the impact of 'art for art's sake' and hedonism as alternative belief systems in this period.
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